Contributor: Nicola Inversi
I have had a big dream since I was a child: Reaching North Cape.
From Rome, where I live, to North Cape, the northernmost point of Europe—from the Mediterranean Sea to the Arctic Ocean, crossing almost all of Europe. It’s not an easy journey.
But I made it even more challenging because I had Erin with me, a 12-year-old Labrador Retriever. With her, the chances of reaching North Cape were drastically reduced. But I couldn’t live this experience without Erin, my loyal friend through countless adventures and the best travel companion I’ve ever had.
With Erin, I’ve climbed dozens and dozens of peaks in Italy, hiking for days on end. But for the past few years, all of that hasn’t been possible because she has some health issues. A few months before we set off, Erin almost died; that day, I told her, “You will come with me to North Cape.”
I had never traveled by bike with a dog until then; I had always set off alone. Moreover, I had never traveled abroad and never for more than a week. So everything was new for me. Taking a dog by bike to North Cape seemed like madness. I started searching online to see if anyone else had done it, but I found almost nothing.
There were so many fears and doubts. How would I handle the climbs? How and where would I cross the Alps? What if I encountered wild animals? And how would Erin sleep in a tent? Where would I find dog food? What documents and vaccinations were needed to enter foreign countries? And what if she got sick?
At the end of winter 2023, after nearly two years of planning this long journey, we set off. We crossed Italy, Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, and Sweden. And we visited all the European capitals: Rome (of course), Vienna, Prague, Berlin, Copenhagen, and Stockholm.
It was a real journey: demanding, exhausting (I was pushing about 80 kg), and as challenging as all journeys should be. Rain, wind, problems, unexpected events, closed roads, animals, and much more.
But I don’t regret the choice I made at all. Unfortunately, our dream stopped in Stockholm. We didn’t reach our intended destination, but it was the best journey of my life. A unique and unforgettable experience. A wonderful adventure, especially thanks to Erin’s presence.
The dream is still alive, but the hope of realizing it together with Erin is fading. We don’t have much time left, as Erin is now an elderly dog. But we’re used to fighting, and we won’t give up.
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